Beecher board agrees to issue RFP to choose municipal banking services

Village officials told the board on July 28 that earlier attempts to compare bank proposals had been uneven and the village attorney recommended issuing a request for proposals to standardize submissions. The board agreed by consensus to send an RFP and asked staff from finance to help define the village’s operational requirements. Market president Michael Bryan of Midland States Bank attended the meeting and outlined the bank's local presence, municipal banking experience and online treasury-management products. "We're proud to be here in Beecher and have been for a long time," Bryan said, and he noted Midland's experience with collateral formats and public-fund relationships. Village Attorney (name not given) advised that a formal RFP would allow the village to compare "apples to apples" proposals rather than piecing together inconsistent information. "I would suggest that an RFP be developed and issued, with a deadline to respond," the attorney said. Why it matters: The village receives banking and depository services critical to daily operations; a structured RFP process is intended to ensure consistent evaluation of proposals and clarify technical requirements such as collateral and online treasury functions. The board did not adopt a banking contract at the meeting; it directed staff to prepare an RFP and involve finance staff in specifying services the village needs. The village will set deadlines for responses and return to the board with options when proposals are received. Ending: Board members and staff said they would coordinate on an RFP schedule and scope; no contract award was made at the July 28 meeting.